January 19, 2009

Ronald Regan and Abraham Lincoln are my two favorite presidents. Both faced very difficult times in our country’s history, and both responded with personal strength and conviction to shape and dramatically change in our world. Both were masters of compromise and communication. What is remarkable about these great leaders is that neither of them is recognized for bringing a “big IQ” to the Office.

One of the quotes I like and feature on this blog is from Ronald Reagan. Regan said, “There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.”

Tomorrow is a big day for our nation and a turning point in our history. Not because of the color of Mr. Obama’s skin, but because of the way our nation is responding to its new leader, the promise of a new direction and a new hope for our future.

As I think about the problems our country faces today and the important role our new president will play, I am prayerful that Mr. Obama will have the moral courage to do what is right for the country. Some of the early decisions he has made give me great hope, others frankly give me pause. He has selected a number of individuals for his cabinet who are not only bright, but are free thinkers. Can he control the conversation and will he have the conviction to lead despite what is politically expedient? How important do you think Mr. Obama’s first 100 days in office will be?

Comments

Hi David,I enjoy your blog. You bring up interesting and thought provoking points. Thank you.I am in awe of the turnout for the man and our new President Barrack H. Obama. I do believe that powerful change is possible and today’s world it can come with spectacular speed enabled through an always connected society. I believe that we are spectators to broad systemic change in the history of America and will bear witness to this pivotal moment that’s path leads to the socialization of our great nation. Barrack Obama’s first 100 days will be momentous as the current economic crisis channels “political will” globally to bury the debate forever between Keynesian economics vs. Austrian, Milton Freedman’s Monetarism , or anything remotely laissez faire. I am both anxious and optimistic but would be lying if I did not admit a tad fearful for the macro impact of decisions about to be made in the 100 days starting tomorrow. “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough take away everything you have.” -Thomas Jefferson

Hi David, To give a European viewpoint on the Obama circus that is going on in Washington (a) he will fail / disappoint, that is a given - all politicans do. Question is, how big will his failure and disappointment be? Relatively minor (Lincoln / Clinton?) or off-the-scales (Bush)? (b) I cannot figure for the life of me why he is referred to as the first black president? His parentage was one black (afro) and one white (caucasian). How can he be any more, black than white? He is mixed race. I guess it is all in the presentation / marketing. But the important factor here is that 'political spin' is already established.

In my view, the disappointment has already begun given his reactions (or lack of them in recent days) to (i) the middle east disgraceful debacle in Gaza, condoned by Cheney / Bush in such a callous way and including the staged unilateral cease fire 3/4 days before the Washington circus and then release of the appalling pictures of total desolation and destruction and the UN Presidents critical comments known to be made on the day of the circus, when all news would be overwhelmed (what stage management!) and (ii) his agreement to give one-third of his new economic stimulus package to people by way of tax cuts; contrary to his / democratic earlier stance - and ask Joseph Stiglitz about it! Pork barrel politics in reality (Obama says he will not resort to such) have already begun. Business as usual and on day one - where is the change! Barry